The 411 - News You Can Use About Broward Schools

Around the District

District Wins Prestigious Financial Reporting Award ... Again
For the third consecutive year, Broward County Public Schools has received the Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International, this time for its 2004-2005 annual budget. In order to receive the award, the District had to satisfy specific guidelines for effective budget presentation recognized by school business officials throughout North America. This award represents a significant achievement by the District and reflects the commitment of the Board and staff to meet the highest standards of school budgeting.

District Represented at National Energy Forum
Robert H. Jindracek, Manager of the Energy Conservation Utility Management Department, Physical Plant Operations Division attended the National Energy Forum in Washington, D.C. He was nominated by the division’s Executive Director Thomas Lindner for the Public Service Award for Energy Leadership for his commitment to saving the District dollars through energy conservation. Although Mr. Jindracek did not win the award, he had an opportunity to represent the District and share ideas and solutions with leaders from industry, governmental and international organizations pertaining to our nation’s future energy needs.

Teachers Experience Zero Gravity
Two Broward County teachers had the opportunity to participate in Florida’s Zero-G Experience for Teachers. The program gives educators a chance to experience weightlessness, so they can tell their students about the experience to generate increased interest in the fields of science and technology. Nicole Notz, who teaches astronomy at Whiddon Rogers Education Center and Deborah Houts, a chemistry/physics teacher at Northeast High School took part in the two-hour flight over the Gulf of Mexico which reached altitudes between 24,000 and 34,000 feet.

Teacher’s Study Published
Dave Lazerson, an exceptional student education teacher at The Quest Center, recently had a study he conducted about at-risk teens functioning as tutors published in the prestigious England Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. This is not the first time Dr. Lazerson has been in the spotlight. The focus of a 2004 cover story in The 411, he has already published three books and had a Showtime special air that centered on his efforts to foster racial harmony.

Stoneman Douglas High School Wins Voter Registration Challenge
Thanks to the highly effective voter registration drive held last school year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, as many as 508 new voters may take to the polls this November. Stoneman Douglas registered the highest number of new voters overall during High School Voter Registration Week. The event was a community effort coordinated by the Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office, The School Board of Broward County and numerous private and Charter schools countywide.

Teacher Listed in Who’s Who
Among America’s Teachers
Clare Donahue, a third grade teacher of gifted students at Cooper City Elementary School, was recently notified that she will be listed in the 2004-2005 edition of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. The letter notifying Ms. Donahue of the honor said she had been selected for this honor based upon her dedication and the significant impact she has had on the lives of her students.